Patriots sign first and last draft picks

With the signings of linebacker Jamie Collins, a second-round pick out of Southern Mississippi, and linebacker Steve Beauharnais, a seventh rounder from Rutgers, the team has now come to terms with four of its seven selections in 2013.

By Glen Farley

The Patriot Ledger, Quincy, MA

By Glen Farley

Posted May. 17, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated May 17, 2013 at 5:21 PM

By Glen Farley

Posted May. 17, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated May 17, 2013 at 5:21 PM

QUINCY

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The majority of the Patriots Draft Class of 2013 is now under contract.

On Friday, the Patriots announced the signings of their first and last picks in the draft, Southern Mississippi linebacker Jamie Collins (second round, 52nd overall) and Rutgers linebacker Steve Beauharnais (seventh round, 235th overall).

Collins’ signing came a day after linebacker Dont’a Hightower, a first-round pick of the Patriots last year, presented a favorable first impression of his new teammate.

“He works hard,” said Hightower. “I don’t think he’s going to have a problem at all jumping in, fitting in, whether it’s at linebacker or d-end, wherever it’s going to be at, I feel like he’s going to bring athleticism and versatility to the team, and that’s why we got him.”

Six-foot-3 and 250 pounds, Collins appeared in 52 games, starting 34, over his career at Southern Mississippi, totaling 314 tackles, 21 sacks, seven forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and three interceptions (returning two for touchdowns).

Last season he led a Golden Eagles team that went into a free fall from Conference USA champions to the worst record in the Football Bowl Subdivision (0-12) with 92 total tackles and 10 sacks.

Also 6-foot-3, the 230-pound Beauharnais appeared in 51 games for Rutgers, starting 41, finishing his career with the Scarlet Knights with 274 tackles, 12.5 sacks, four interceptions, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

Another ailment for Gronk: In addition to yet another procedure on his forearm, it appears as though tight end Rob Gronkowski may be facing surgery to clear up a disc issue in his back that dates back to last season.

According to USA Today, Gronkowski will see spine specialist Robert Watkins following next week’s surgery to install a new plate into his forearm.

The hope is that the time frame for recovery from any potential back surgery would mirror the period Gronkowski faces in recovering from the procedure on his forearm.